Universal Music Group artists win big at the SAMAs

DJ Black Coffee was one of the big winners after, taking home two gongs: the coveted Male Artist of the Year award (for his album Music is King), as well as Best Collaboration Award for the single ‘Drive’ (featuring David Guetta and Delilah Montagu).

Rapper Nasty C’s album For Strings and Bling earned him two awards in the Best Hip Hop Album and Best Produced Album of the Year categories. Proving her wide appeal and resonance with music lovers, Lady Zamar walked away with two trophies for SAMPRA Highest Airplay of the Year Award and SAMRO/CAPASSO Highest Airplay Composer Award - all thanks to ‘Collide’, her chart-topping smash hit.

Other UMGA victories saw Tresor announced as a winner in the Best Pop Album category, for a record-setting third time in a row at the SAMAs. Zakwe’s remix of ‘Sebentin’ featuring Cassper Nyovest, HHP, Blaklez, Kwesta and Musiholiq beat off competition to clinch the Remix of the Year Award. Kwaito veteran Spikiri showed off his staying power when he lifted the Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano Album Award for King Don Father.

On the traditional sounds front, Candy bagged the Best Traditional Album award for her release Hupenyu Unenge Viri, while Sgwebo Sentambo reigned supreme in the Best Maskandi Album category for Yekani Umona.

The Rest of Africa Award went to UMGA’s East Africa artist Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania for A Boy From Tandale. To top it off, legendary Motswako rapper Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his sterling contribution in the music industry. HHP passed away last year.

“It’s an affirmation that they are the leading recording company in South Africa,” OnPoint PR co-founder and director Vista Kalipa said. “UMGA went into the awards with a staggering 43 nominations.”

UMGA (South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa) director Sipho Dlamini expressed his excitement: “We’re quite pleased by the recognition our artists received this past weekend at the SAMAs. Universal Music is committed to the production of quality music and the development and upliftment of the music industry. This past weekend’s wins bear testament of that commitment. We would like to extend our felicitations to all our winners and to the nominees - well done, we’re proud of you.”